Explore the urban forest, learn more about our program, check out all of the cool urban forest resources we've gathered for you. www.austintexas.gov/urbanforestry
In an earlier Treebune article, we talked about tree roots and why we should protect them. Now that you know why it is essential to think about tree roots when changing the landscape, this month’s article will cover basic methods when working near trees. First, let’s talk about planning for your tree! When considering planting a tree or preserving a tree in place during landscape installation, it is critical to think about space. Sufficient space for a tree depends on what that tree will look like in its future. Let’s face it, not every tree grows the same way. A redbud tree might spread to 15’ at maturity, but a live oak can spread well over 50’! That’s a drastic difference and knowing this information lets you plan ahead. It’s not only important to think about space above ground, but also below ground. For instance, a small tree needs 60 sq. ft. of unrestricted area and a large tree minimally needs 180 sq. ft. of area to live a longer, healthy life.
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Now that you understand tree needs at the most basic level, let’s consider other stress factors that may limit a tree’s ability not only to thrive, but also survive. The next common conflict between trees and the urban environment is soil compaction. In an urban setting trees are constantly be walked and driven on. With the way tree roots grow, it’s almost unavoidable. The best thing to do when working around trees is install a tree protection barrier or fence to protect the critical root zone (see February’s article). Otherwise, heavy equipment or even foot traffic can compact the soil and crush or even tear tree roots. Remember without the right soil conditions, a tree cannot access water and nutrients. All that being said, space is very important for trees. Space allows a tree to spread its branches above ground and extend its roots below ground in search of water and essential nutrients.
In the simplest terms, a weed is a plant that’s growing where it’s not wanted. It easily reproduces and spreads, competes with desirable plants for space, light and nutrition, detracts from the aesthetics of the landscape, and can harbor pests and diseases. Weed seeds may lie dormant, germinating when soil is
disturbed and seeds are exposed to light. Seeds may be windblown, spread by birds or introduced with imported soil. Best practices tell us to disrupt the weed’s life cycle without damaging the environment by choosing the least toxic solution. Â
Here are some quick tips to get you started:
1st Step) PREVENTION: Keep your turf and landscaped areas healthy. It is your best prevention against the invaders. For turf care information see the Grow Green Lawn Care fact sheet. For other turf issues consult the Grow Green Lawn Problems fact sheet.
2nd Step) Identify your weed using the Earth-Wise Guide to Weeds. If it’s not there explore the Texas A&M website for broadleaf and grassy weeds. You can also take a sample with the roots and flowers to your local nursery, or call the Travis County Agrilife Extension Office at (512) 854-9600.
3rd Step) Use the Earth-Wise Guide to Weeds to identify the least toxic way to remove the weeks, and explore the types of tools best suited.
4th Step) Now that it’s May, it’s a good time to use a pre-emergent herbicide to keep weed seeds from germinating. Avoid using Weed and Feed products.
5th Step) Consider adjusting your perspective on what is an acceptable look for lawn areas. Horseherb, (Calyptocarpus vialis), is a low-growing native plant that makes an excellent groundcover. It is often found in lawns and parks in the Austin area. Why not just let it get established? See the Grow Green Program’s "Native & Adapted Landscape Plants" guide or use the searchable database.
6th Step) Learn more! To be notified of upcoming Grow Green gardening classes click here to sign up for email notifications, or call 512-974-2550 and ask to be put on the emailing list for gardening classes.
Shorelines are a very important part of the lake ecosystem. Poor biological health is three times more likely in lakes with poor lakeshore habitat, according to the EPA. Healthy, natural shorelines can improve water quality and floodplain function, reduce the erosive impacts of waves, and provide nurseries for juvenile fish, habitat for shorebirds, places for turtles to lay eggs, and much, much more. Unfortunately, some areas of Lake Austin’s shoreline is eroding. Although some of this erosion is due to the natural process of river evolution, it is likely that much is due to wave action from intense recreational use. The City is taking action to stabilize the shoreline and improve water conditions through a shoreline stabilization project using coir (coconut husk) that started in 2009. To learn more about the project and ways you can help shore up the shoreline visit The Creekside Story.
The City of Austin's Urban Forest Grant Program, established to promote tree conservation and other projects that benefit Austin's urban forest, has funding available to help preserve and grow Austin's canopy of trees. Projects eligible for funding include tree planting and preservation, education, public service announcements, disease control, and management of invasive species. Call (512) 974-2332 with questions.
The goal of Texas Nature Challenge is to get families and kids outdoors by visiting as many participating parks and nature areas in Texas as they can. At each site, participants complete activity challenges designed for family fun and nature exploration.
To participate, register your team, download challenges, complete those challenges at the sites, then create a notebook or an online blog about your experiences. Registered participants have a chance to win prizes in their home region based on their notebooks and blogs.
The Central Texas Nature Challenge runs from April 25th through July 31st. There are currently 19 participating sites from Lockhart to Austin and Burnet to Bastrop with more being added weekly. A closing ceremonies event will be held August 8th at the Austin Nature & Science Center.
For more information or to register visit www.naturechallenge.tamu.edu
Austinites are once again challenged to create wildlife-friendly yards using native plants, but with an added challenge of supporting our pollinators with specific plant palettes and garden husbandry. This year, make a home for bees, butterflies, beetles, moths, hummingbirds in your backyard. For additional resources to assist with pollinator plant species, see Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s plant database at www.wildflower.org/explore or Pollinator Partnership’s regional plant guides at http://pollinator.org/guides.htm.
To enter the Pollinator Challenge, submit this form to wildlife@austintexas.gov by 11/30/2015, or submit the form via mail using address: Wildlife Austin, 919 W. 28 ½ St. Austin, TX 78705.
Now is the time to prepare your yard for Austin’s long hot summer. By using a combination of mulch, compost and core aeration, you will be prepared for the damage caused by the long hot days of summer to your yard. These techniques will ensure that water stays on your yard, reducing the need for supplemental irrigation.
Core aeration service for entire front and/or back lawn area (equipment rental is acceptable) -- Rebate $30
 How it works
Buy materials or services listed on the application and apply to your landscape.
Keep all receipts.
Take photos of the completed work. Turn in application, a copy of the receipts and photos. (mail, fax or email on application)
DilloDirt™--made by the City of Austin—is an acceptable form of compost material to use. Visit www.austintexas.gov/dillodirt for a list of vendors.
A sustainable food system is a local one. In a sustainable food system, much of the food consumed is produced locally, which preserves urban farmland, supports the local economy, and results in greater self-reliance and resilience. In addition, a sustainable food system provides increased access to fresh, nutritious food, which helps in reducing dietary-related disease and hunger. Austin's food system involves several key components: growing food, food-related businesses, making healthy eating choices, and disposing of food in sustainable ways.
This new report from the City of Austin’s Office of Sustainability provides an overview of Austin’s dynamic food system, including major components such as production, consumption, and waste. It’s intended to provide a common framework for celebrating progress as well as identifying challenges and opportunities to inform strategies for moving forward. Learn more about what you can do to help build a resilient, healthy, and just food system for Austin.
This course is designed to provide foundational knowledge in arboriculture and supplement the arborists’ certification study guide. This course is open to all interested and nonprofessionals are encouraged to attend to gain a better understanding of trees and tree care.
Dates: Mondays, June 15th & 22nd and July 13th & 20th, 2015
2015 Spring Grow Green Homeowner Training is a partnership between the City of Austin’s Grow Green Team, Austin Water and the Parks & Recreation Department
The City of Austin’s Grow Green program is accepting registrations for individual days of 2015 Grow Green Landscape Professional Training Series. The goal of the program is to help protect our natural resources by offering Austin residents a list of professionals who can provide sustainable options for landscape design, installation, and care.
The program consists of a multi-disciplinary course, incorporating all facets of earth-wise landscaping. Participants who complete the training series will have their name and affiliation posted as a Grow Green Landscape Professional. Many of the talks will qualify for professional CEU’s.
Learn about earth-wise landscaping and management practices from the experts, so you can provide sustainable services for your commercial and residential customers.
June 23: Water Quality & Integrated Pest Management
July 21: Water Conservation
August 25: Firewise Landscaping
All classes will be held at Austin City Hall (Map). Classes will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. The classes are $20 per day. The deadline for registration, payment and refunds is at noon the Friday before each class.
Teaching kids about the environment is easy with Keep Austin Beautiful’s Activity Kits. They’re stocked with supplies and with an easy to follow lesson plan and hands-on activities. This April the Activity Kits were guest stars at the Old Settlers Music Festival, Campbell Elementary’s Spring Green Festival, Clean Sweep, Fusebox Festival, and the Art.Science.Gallery's Earth Day ATX Science Extravaganza and more! The Activity Kits helped educate over 1,570 students, and helped KAB distribute 3,900 seed balls in Grow Zones, parks, and schoolyards!
You can join Keep Austin Beautiful and one of the many groups teaching youth about the outdoors – a great summer camp alternative – by checking out an Activity Kit. Kits come in a variety of topics with an easy-to-follow lesson plan, background information, and all the necessary supplies. By providing the kits at no charge, Keep Austin Beautiful hopes to make learning about our trees, recycling, composting, and the outdoors as easy as possible!
